Diving Mask

ABSTRACT

A diving mask comprises a mask and a breathing tube. The mask is provided with a viewing compartment, a breathing compartment, a first airway and a second airway. The breathing tube is provided with a single breathing airway. The first airway connects the breathing airway and the viewing compartment. The second airway connects the breathing compartment and the breathing airway. The viewing compartment and the breathing compartment are connected through a first check valve. The breathing compartment and the second airway are connected through a second check valve. When the above-mentioned diving mask is in use, outside air can enter the breathing compartment through the breathing airway, the first airway, the viewing compartment and the first check valve. The exhaled air in the breathing compartment can be expelled out of the mask through the second check valve, the second airway, and the breathing airway.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to diving equipment and, in particular, to a diving mask.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, as one of the emerging sports, more people loves diving. When diving, people want to see the underwater scenes. Therefore, diving masks are required.

However, when people breathe with a diving mask under the water, the air produced as the user breathes is likely to produce fog on the inner surface of the diving mask. The fog thus blocks people's view. Therefore, it is imperative to solve the problem of fog formation on the diving mask.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the invention provides a diving mask without the problem of fog formation.

The disclosed diving mask comprises a mask and a breathing tube, with the breathing tube connecting to the mask. The mask is provided with a viewing compartment, a breathing compartment, a first airway and a second airway. The breathing tube is provided with a single breathing airway. The first airway connects the breathing airway and the viewing compartment. The second airway connects the breathing compartment and the breathing airway. The viewing compartment and the breathing compartment are connected through a first check valve. The breathing compartment and the second airway are connected through a second check valve.

When the above-mentioned diving mask is in use, outside air can enter the breathing compartment through the breathing airway, the first airway, the viewing compartment and the first check valve. The exhaled air in the breathing compartment can be expelled out of the mask through the second check valve, the second airway, and the breathing airway. Fresh inhaled air carries away fog in the viewing compartment. Exhaled heat is prevented from forming fog on the inner surface of the viewing compartment. This achieves the effect of preventing fog formation. Moreover, the breathing tube has only a single breathing airway, making the structure of the breathing tube simple. The user can breathe more smoothly. The cost is reduced.

An embodiment of the invention has two second airways. The two airways are connected to opposite sides of the first airway.

In an embodiment of the invention, the mask includes a mask glass and a mask liner. The mask liner is provided on the mask glass to divide the mask glass into the viewing compartment and the breathing compartment. The first airway is formed on the mask liner. The outer side of the mask glass and the inner side of the mask liner together form the second airway. The first check valve and the second check valve are provided on the mask liner.

In another embodiment of the invention, the mask liner includes a frame part, a dividing part, and a ventilating part. The dividing part is connected within the frame part to divide the mask glass into the viewing compartment and the breathing compartment. The first check valve is formed on the dividing part. The second check valve is formed at the junction between the dividing part and the frame part. The inner side of the frame part is the inner side of the mask liner. The ventilating part is connected to the rim of the frame part and is formed with the first airway.

In an embodiment of the invention, the diving mask includes a mask frame connected to the mask glass and the frame part.

In another embodiment of the invention, the mask frame includes an accommodating tube to accommodate the ventilating part. The breathing tune connects to the accommodating tube. The end of the breathing tube away from the accommodating tube is formed with a ventilating hole connecting to the breathing airway.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the breathing tube is connected to the mask in a rotatable way.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the diving mask includes a fold-lock structure to fasten the breathing tube to the mask in a rotatable way.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the fold-lock structure includes a handle and a hook. The handle and the hook are installed on the mask in a rotatable way and sharing the same rotating axis. When the handle and the hook are in a first position, the hook fastens the breathing tube to the mask. When the handle and the hook are in a second position, the hook and the breathing tube are separate so that the breathing tube can rotate with respect to the mask.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional schematic view of the disclosed diving mask;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the disclosed diving mask;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the disclosed diving mask;

FIG. 4 is a magnified view of part IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a planar view of the disclosed diving mask;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the disclosed diving mask;

FIG. 7 is a magnified view of part VII in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is another planar view of the disclosed diving mask;

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional view of the disclosed diving mask; and

FIG. 10 is a magnified view of part X in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The aforementioned and other objectives and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer in light of the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of this invention described in connection with the drawings.

In the following description of the invention, it should be understood that the terms such as “first” and “second” are merely used to distinguish different technical features of the same type and cannot be used to imply the importance or the number of such technical features. Therefore, technical features with the qualifiers such as “first” and “second” can both explicitly or implicitly mean that there is one or more of the technical features. Also, the term “multiple” means two or more unless explicitly specified otherwise.

It should be explained that unless explicitly defined or described, the terms such as “installation”, “connection”, and “communication” should be interpreted in a general sense. For example, a connection can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Such a connection can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a telecommunication connection. It can be a direct connection or a connection via some intermediate agent. It can be the internal connection between two elements or refers to the interaction between two elements. A person skilled in the art should be able to readily understand such terms in the description of the invention.

The following description provides several different embodiments or examples to explain different possible structures of the invention. For simplicity, the specification describes the invention by way of specific parts and settings in the examples. Of course, they serve merely as examples and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. Besides, the invention repeatedly use same reference numerals or reference alphabets in different examples. Such repetitions are for the purposes of simplification and clarification. They do not directly imply relations among various embodiments and/or settings under discussion. Moreover, the specification provides various examples of specific arts and materials. Nevertheless, a person skilled in the art can readily make appropriate replacements with other arts and/or materials.

Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. The invention provides a diving mask 100 comprising a mask 101 and a breathing tube 138 with the breathing tube 138 connecting to the mask 101. The mask 101 is formed with a viewing compartment 103, a breathing compartment 105, a first airway 107, and a second airway 109. The breathing tube 138 is formed with a single breathing airway 111. The first airway connects the breathing airway 107 connects the breathing airway 111 and the viewing compartment 103. The second airway 109 connects the breathing compartment 105 and the breathing airway 111. The viewing compartment 103 and the breathing compartment 105 are connected via a first check valve 113, while the breathing compartment 105 and the second airway 109 are connected via a second check valve 117.

Therefore, when the above-mentioned diving mask 100 is in use, ambient air can enter the breathing compartment 105 via the breathing airway 111, the first airway 107, the viewing compartment 103, and the first check valve 113. The exhaled air in the breathing compartment 105 is expelled out of the mask 101 via the second check valve 117, the second airway 109, and the breathing airway 111. Fresh inhaled air takes away fog formed inside the viewing compartment 103. Warm exhaled air is prevented from touching the inner surface of the viewing compartment 103 to form fog. This achieves the effect of preventing fog formation on the mask 101. Moreover, the breathing tube 138 has only a single breathing airway 111, making the structure of the breathing tube 138 simple. The user can breathe more smoothly, while the cost is reduced.

More explicitly, please refer to FIG. 2. The thick arrow in the drawing points to the airflow direction of the disclosed diving mask 100. In an embodiment of the invention, the first airway 107 can be an intake way formed at the top of the mask 101. The second airway 109 can be an exhaust way formed at one side of the mask 101. Moreover, one end of the second airway 109 connects to the bottom of the mask 101, and the other end connects to the top of the mask 101. Thus, the warm exhaled air is prevented from touching the inner surface of the viewing compartment to form fog, achieving the goal of preventing fog formation. In an embodiment of the invention, the second airway 109 is curved.

The mask 101 is formed with a first ventilating hole 132 connecting the viewing compartment 103 and the breathing compartment 105. The first check valve 113 is provided at the first ventilating hole 132 to ensure that the airflow goes only in one way from the viewing compartment 103 to the breathing compartment 105.

The mask 101 is also formed with a second ventilating hole 134 connecting the breathing compartment 105 and the second airway 109. The second check valve 117 is provided at the second ventilating hole 134 to ensure that the airflow of exhaled air goes only in one way from the breathing compartment 105 to the second airway 109.

The breathing tube 138 is formed with a single breathing airway 111, so that the air entering the mask 101 and leaving the mask 101 share the same airway. This greatly simplifies the structure and cost of the breathing tube 138. Breathing also becomes smoother. In one example, the breathing tube 138 is made by injection molding. More explicitly, a single insert is placed in the mold cavity for forming the breathing tube 128. Then a molding material is injected into the mold cavity. After the molding material is cooled, it is demolded to obtain a breathing tube 138 having a single breathing airway 111.

When the diving mask 100 is in use, the mask 101 covers the human face. The mask 101 may be under the water surface with the breathing tube 138 protruding from the water surface, so that the user can inhale the outside air and exhale his own gas. The viewing compartment 103 enables the user to view the environment outside the mask 101. The breathing compartment 105 is for breathing.

According to the invention, the viewing compartment 103 corresponds human eyes while the breathing compartment 105 corresponds to human nose and mouth (including the chin) portions and the face profile. The breathing compartment 105 has a shape that matches human nose and mouth (including the chin).

In an embodiment of the invention, the number of the first check valves 113 is two.

In an embodiment of the invention, the number of the second airways 109 is two, and the two second airways 109 are to opposite sides of the first airway 107.

Therefore, the exhaled air amount is increased, improving the smoothness in breathing when using the mask 101.

In particular, in the embodiments of the invention, the term “connection” has the meanings of connection and communication. That is, one end of the second airway 109 is connected to one side of the first airway 107, and the inner space of the second airway 109 is in fluid communication with the inner space of the first airway 107. The air exhaled via the second airway 109 may share the first airway 107, sending the exhaled air into the breathing airway 111 to be expelled out of the mask 101.

In an embodiment of the invention, the mask 101 includes a mask glass 102 and a mask liner 114. The mask liner 114 is disposed on the mask glass 102 to divide the mask glass 102 into the viewing compartment 103 and the breathing compartment 105. The first airway 107 is formed on the mask liner 114. The outer side of the mask glass 102 and the inner side of the mask liner 114 together form a second airway 109. The first check valve 113 and the second check valve 117 are provided on the mask liner 114.

Hence, the mask 101 is easier to manufacture, and the cost is lower. The materials of the mask glass 102 and the mask liner 114 can be selected according to the actual needs. The mask 101 thus has wider applications.

More explicitly, a first portion 104 of the mask glass 102 corresponding to the viewing compartment 103 may be made of a transparent resin material to facilitate viewing of the underwater view. With reference to FIG. 6, In an embodiment of the invention, the first portion 104 of the mask glass 102 corresponding to the viewing compartment 103 is substantially flat. The first portion 104 of the mask glass 102 corresponding to the viewing compartment 103 may be formed as a planar lens, a myopic lens, or a hyperopic lens.

A second portion 106 of the mask glass 102 corresponding to the breathing compartment 105 has a shape that matches the nose and mouth (including the chin) of the human being.

The mask liner 114 is used for tight fitting with the face to ensure air tightness and watertightness. The mask liner 114 may be made of a softer material. The first airway 107 is formed at the top of the mask liner 114.

In an embodiment of the invention, the outer side of the mask glass 102 is formed with an air groove 115. When the mask glass 102 is disposed on the mask liner 114, the inner surface 119 of the mask liner 114 seals the air groove 115, thereby forming the second airway 109.

In an embodiment of the invention, the mask liner 114 includes a frame part 122, a dividing part 124, and a ventilating part 126. The dividing part 124 is connected to the frame part 122. The dividing part 124 divides the mask glass 102 into the viewing compartment 103 and the breathing compartment 105. The first check valve 113 is provided on the dividing part 124, and the second check valve 117 is provided at the unction between the dividing part 124 and the frame part 122. The inner side of the frame part 122 is the inner side of the mask liner 114. The ventilating part 126 is connected to the rim of the frame part 122 and is formed with the first air passage 107.

This shows the structural functions of the mask liner 114.

Specifically, the first ventilating hole 132 is formed on the dividing part 124. The frame part 122 matches the human facial profile to cover the human face. The second ventilating hole 134 is formed at the junction between the dividing part 124 and the frame part 122. The number of the second air ventilating holes 134 is two, and the number of the second check valves 117 is also two.

The dividing part 124 has a shape matching with the human nose bridge. Therefore, the number of the first ventilating holes 132 is preferably two. They are formed on both sides of the highest position of the dividing part 124. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each of the first ventilating holes 132 includes a plurality of first small vent holes, and each of the second ventilating holes 134 includes a plurality of second small vent holes.

The rim of the dividing part 124 can be pressed against the inner surface of the mask glass 102 using a liner fixing strip 136. This ensures the airtightness of the viewing compartment 103 and the breathing compartment 105 at the rim of the dividing part 124.

In an embodiment of the invention, the first check valve 113 includes a fixing post 121 and a sealing film 123. The fixing post 121 is connected to the sealing film 123. The fixing post 121 may be fixed to the dividing part 124 by, for example, an interference fit. The sealing film 123 attaches tightly against the surface of the dividing part 124 inside the breathing compartment 105 to seal the first ventilating hole 132. The air pressure in the breathing compartment 105 is reduced when the user inhales. An air pressure is formed between the viewing compartment 103 and the breathing compartment 105. The air with a larger air pressure in the viewing compartment 103 flushes the sealing film 123 to enter the breathing compartment 105, thereby reaching a balance in air pressure. Afterwards, the sealing film 123 re-seals the first ventilating hole 132.

The structure of the second check valve 117 is the same as that of the first check valve 113. The sealing film of the second check valve 117 attaches tightly against the inner surface of the second airway 109 to seal the second ventilating hole 134. The operation principle of the second check valve 117 is the same as that of the first check valve 113, and is not further described herein.

In an embodiment of the invention, the diving mask 100 includes a mask frame 116 connecting the mask glass 102 and the frame part 122.

In this way, the strength of the diving mask 100 is enhanced, thereby extending the lifetime thereof.

Explicitly, the mask frame 116 can support the entire diving mask 100. The mask frame 116 is shaped to match the human face so as to have better connections with the mask glass 102 and the mask liner 114. With reference to FIG. 3, the mask frame 116 has an opening part 118. During the assembly, the mask frame 116 is opened from the opening part 118 in order to fit the mask glass 102 and the mask liner 114 to the mask frame 116. After the assembly is completed, the opening part 118 can be closed using a mask locking screw 120. The mask glass 102 and the mask liner 114 are thus fastened and fixed to the mask frame 116.

In an embodiment of the invention, the mask frame 116 includes an accommodating tube 146 that accommodates the ventilating part 126. The breathing tube 138 is connected to the accommodating tube 146, and the end of the breathing tube 138 away from accommodating tube 146 is formed with a ventilating hole 174 connecting to the breathing airway 111.

Accordingly, the accommodating tube 146 protects the ventilating part 126, preventing the ventilating part 126 from leaking due to damages. Since the ventilating hole 174 is formed at the end of the breathing tube 138 away from the accommodating tube 146, the effective air exchange length of the breathing tube 138 becomes longer, increasing the diving depth of the diving mask 100.

Specifically, when one uses the diving mask 100 for snorkeling, the end of the breathing tube 138 provided with the ventilating hole 174 can be extended out of the water surface, so that the user can breathe the outside air through the ventilating hole 174.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, the diving mask 100 includes a water ball valve 168 and a gasket 170. The gasket 170 is provided with a first air hole 172 and a second air passage 173, with the first air hole 172 and the second air hole 173 formed with a space in between. The water ball valve 168 is capable of sealing the first air hole 172. In this embodiment, both the water ball valve 168 and the gasket 170 are inside the breathing tube 138.

When water enters the breathing tube 138 through the ventilating hole 174 of the breathing tube 138, the water pressure presses the water ball valve 168 into the first air hole 172 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Thus, the breathing airway 111 inside the breathing tube 138 is sealed to prevent water from entering the diving mask 100 through the first air hole 172.

In addition, to ensure the quality of sealing, the gasket 170 is generally made of a soft material, such as soft rubber. However, when the water ball valve 168 is pressed against the gasket 170, the water ball valve 168 easily deforms the gasket 170, thereby affecting the sealing effect. In this embodiment, in order to enhance the support of the gasket 170, the diving mask 100 includes a gasket support 178 onto which the gasket 170 is secured. The gasket 170 is located between the water ball valve 168 and the gasket support 178. The gasket support 178 may be secured to a snorkel lid 180 at one end of the breathing tube 138 by engagement.

The gasket support 178 is formed with a third air hole 177 and a fourth air hole 179, with the third air hole 177 and the fourth air hole 179 formed with a space in between. The first air hole 172 is in fluid communications with the third air hole 177, and the second air hole 173 is in fluid communications with the fourth air hole 179.

The gasket support 178 may be made of hard plastic. When the water ball valve 168 is pressed against the gasket 170, the gasket support 178 acts as a support to enhance the sealing effect.

According to the embodiment, when the diving mask 100 is normally used, the outside air can enter the breathing tube 138 through the ventilating hole 174 and reach the snorkel lid 180 through the first air hole 172 and the third air hole 177. The air inside the snorkel lid 180 turns and enters the breathing airway 111 through the fourth air hole 179 and the second air hole 173. When air is exhaled from the breathing airway 111, it goes outside of the diving mask 100 in the opposite direction along the above-mentioned path.

In an embodiment of the invention, the breathing tube 138 is rotatably connected to the mask 101.

This facilitates the storage of the diving mask 100.

Specifically, the breathing tube 138 may be rotatably connected to the mask 101 by a shaft connection. In an embodiment of the invention, the breathing tube 138 is rotatably connected to the accommodating tube 146 of the mask frame 116.

In another embodiment, the diving mask 100 includes a fold-lock structure 140 that fastens the breathing tube 138 onto the mask 101 in a rotatable way.

Thus, the breathing tube 138 can be fixed in the folded position and the open position, increasing the ease of use of the diving mask 100.

More explicitly, as shown in FIG. 4, the fold-lock structure 140 includes a handle 142 and a hook 144. The handle 142 and the hook 144 can be coaxially installed on the mask 101 in a rotatable way.

When the handle 142 and the hook 144 are at a first position on the mask 101, the hook 144 locks the breathing tube 138 onto the mask 101. When the handle 142 and the hook 144 are at a second position on the mask 101, the hook 144 and the breathing tube 138 are separate so that the breathing tube 138 can rotate with respect to the mask 101.

More specifically, in an embodiment of the invention, the handle 142 and the hook 144 are coaxially installed on the mask frame 116. When the handle 142 and the hook 144 are at the first position on the mask frame 116, the hook 144 locks the breathing tube 138 onto the mask frame 116. When the handle 142 and the hook 144 are at the second position on the mask frame 116, the hook 144 and the breathing tube 138 are separate to allow the breathing tube 138 to rotate with respect to the mask frame 116.

The outer surface of the accommodating tube 146 is provided with a fixing part 148 which is formed with a first shaft hole 150. With a first rotary shaft 152 going through first shaft hole 150, the handle 142 is installed on the mask frame 116 in a rotatable way.

The handle 142 is connected with the hook 144 through a second shaft 154. Therefore, the handle 142 and the hook 144 are installed on the mask frame 116 in a rotatable way with respect to the second rotary shaft 154.

The outer surface of the breathing tube 138 is provided with an engaging part 156 and a first rotary connecting part 158, which are separately disposed on opposite sides of the breathing tube 138. When the handle 142 and the hook 144 are at a first position on the mask frame 116, the hook 144 engages the engaging part 156 to lock the breathing tube 138 onto the mask frame 116.

The first rotary connecting part 158 is provided with a first rotary hole 160.

The portion corresponding to the accommodating tube 146 of the first rotary connecting part 158 is provided with two second rotary connecting parts 162 (only one of the second rotary connecting parts 162 is shown in FIG. 5). The two second rotary connecting parts 162 are spaced apart to form an accommodating space. Each of the second rotary connecting parts 162 is formed with a second rotary hole 164, and the two second rotary holes 164 are aligned.

The first rotary connecting part 158 is located inside the accommodating space. The first rotary hole 160 is aligned with the two second rotary holes 164. A third rotary shaft 166 is successively fitted into one of the second rotary hole 164, the first rotary hole 160 and the other second rotary hole 164, thereby achieving a rotational connection between the breathing tube 138 and the accommodating tube 146.

When the diving mask 100 is in use, the bottom end of the breathing tube 138 presses against the end face of the ventilating part 126 of the mask liner 114. When the hook 144 is engaged with the engaging part 156 of the breathing tube 138, the handle 142 is pressed downward toward the direction of the accommodating tube 146. The mask liner 114 is made of an elastic material. When the pivotal point of the second rotary shaft 154, the pivotal point of the first rotary shaft 152, and the stress point of the hook 144 and the engaging part 156 are under the force and have an angle exceeding 180 degrees (see FIG. 7), the breathing tube 138 is in a locked state. In this case, the handle 142 and the hook 144 are at the first position on the mask frame 116.

When the diving mark 100 is not in use and one needs to fold the breathing tube 138, the handle 142 should be pushed upward. Through the second rotary shaft 154, the handle 142 drives the hook 144 to depart from the engaging part 156 of the breathing tube 138 (see FIGS. 8, 9 and 10). In this case, the breathing tube 138 can rotate with respect to the mask frame 116. The handle 142 and the hook 144 are at the second position on the mask frame 116. One can then readily fold the breathing tube 138.

The foldable function of the breathing tube 138 is for the convenience of storage and carrying of the diving mask 100.

While the invention is described in some detail hereinbelow with reference to certain illustrated embodiments, it is to be understood that there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the aim is to cover all modifications, alternatives and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A diving mask comprising a mask and a breathing tube with the breathing tube connected to the mask, wherein the mask has a viewing compartment, a breathing compartment, a first airway, and a second airway; the breathing tube has a single breathing airway; the first airway connects the breathing airway and the viewing compartment; the second airway connects the breathing compartment and the breathing airway; the viewing compartment connects to the breathing compartment via a first check valve; and the breathing compartment connects to the second airway via a second check valve.
 2. The diving mask of claim 1, wherein the number of the second airways is two, and the two second airways connect to opposite sides of the first airway.
 3. The diving mask of claim 1 further comprising a mask glass and a mask liner, wherein the mask liner is provided on the mask glass to divide the mask glass into the viewing compartment and the breathing compartment; the first airway is provided on the mask liner; the outside side of the mask glass and the inner side of the mask liner together form the second airway; and the first check valve and the second check valve are provided on the mask liner.
 4. The diving mask of claim 3, wherein the mask liner includes a frame part, a dividing part, and a ventilating part; the dividing part is connected within the frame part to divide the mask glass into the viewing compartment and the breathing compartment, with the first check valve is provided on the dividing part and the second check valve provided at the junction of the dividing part and the frame part; the inner side of the frame part is the inner side of the mask liner; and the ventilating part is connected to the rim of the frame part and formed with the first airway.
 5. The diving mask of claim 4 further comprising a mask frame connecting the mask glass and the frame part.
 6. The diving mask of claim 5, wherein the mask frame includes an accommodating tube that accommodates the ventilating part; and the breathing tube connects to the accommodating tube, with the end portion of the breathing tube away from the accommodating tube being formed with a ventilating hole connecting to the breathing airway.
 7. The diving mask of claim 1, wherein the breathing tube is connected to the mask in a rotatable way.
 8. The diving mask of claim 7 further comprising a fold-lock structure to fasten the breathing tube onto the mask in a rotatable way.
 9. The diving mask of claim 8, wherein the fold-lock structure includes a handle and a hook that are installed on the mask in a rotatable way with respect to a same axis; the hook fastens the breathing tube onto the mask when the handle and the hook are in a first position; and the hook departs from the breathing tube so that the breathing tube becomes rotatable with respect to the mask when the handle and the hook are in a second position. 